Kingdom of Exiles (The Beast Charmer Series #1)

by Maxym M. Martineau

Overview

"Lush world-building and intoxicating magic"—Entertainment Weekly

"A sweeping swords-and-sorcery romance"—The New York Times

Assassin's Creed meets Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in this gripping, epic fantasy romance.

My heart wasn't part of the deal when I bargained for my life,

But assassins so rarely keep their word.

Exiled Charmer Leena Edenfrell is running out of time. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts—an offense punishable by death—and now there's a price on her head. With the realm's most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes Noc an offer he can't refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.

Plagued by a curse that kills everyone he loves, Noc agrees to Leena's terms in hopes of finding a cure. Never mind that the dark magic binding the assassin's oath will eventually force him to choose between Leena's continued survival…and his own.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781492689393
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	06/25/2019
Series:	Beast Charmer Series , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	330,594
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Maxym M. Martineau is an article and social media writer by day and a fantasy romance author by night. When she’s not getting heated over broken hearts, she enjoys playing video games, sipping a well-made margarita, competing in just about any sport, and of course, reading. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and lives with her husband and fur babies in Arizona. Connect with her at MaxymMartineau.com or through Twitter and Instagram @maxymmckay.

Editorial Reviews

★ 04/29/2019

Martineau’s impressive debut novel, the first of a romantic fantasy trilogy, marries grand-scale wonder with the intimacy of relationships among traveling companions and a layered plot. Leena is a Charmer, one with the ability to mentally commune with and train a wide range of beasts. She’s been exiled from her home for crimes she didn’t commit, and her only path to survival is illegally selling trained beasts. She knows this will draw notice, but she never expected that to come in the form of Kost, a shadow-wielding undead assassin. Her beasts defend her and she demands that Kost take her to his master, the brooding, handsome Noc, so she can convince him to revoke the commission for her death. Noc is cursed and haunted by his past, but blessed with a second chance at building his life. Leena is merely a job—at first. Soon he’s struggling to keep from falling for her. Martineau’s intricate world-building melds traditional high fantasy with a hint of Victorian sensibility, then elevates it with endearing characters and a deliciously complex story that will leave readers anxiously awaiting the second book. Agent: Cate Hart, Corvisiero Literary. (June)

Publishers Weekly

"Maxym Martineau weaves an irresistible blend of adventure, magic, and romance. A unique world full of danger and intrigue and a delightful ensemble of characters will leave fans of fantasy romance breathlessly awaiting more from this author. Prepare to be charmed!" — Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles

"Kingdom of Exiles captivated me with its distinctive fantasy world of exiled Charmers, enchanted beasts, and alluring assassins. Leena is the type of heroine I adore, a fiercely independent force to be reckoned with who propels the story forward on its vivid pace. The tautly crafted love story between assassin and target gripped my heart and kept me turning pages well into the night. A fantastic tale of magic, romance, and adventure — I can't wait to read more." — L. Penelope, award-winning author of Song of Blood & Stone

"Martineau’s intricate world-building melds traditional high fantasy with a hint of Victorian sensibility, then elevates it with endearing characters and a deliciously complex story that will leave readers anxiously awaiting the second book." — Publishers Weekly

"If you love fantasy novels with multidimensional characters, creative world-building, and a plot that is literally to die for then KINGDOM OF EXILES should be on your must-read list!" — Fresh Fiction

"A magical, solid, fresh new fantasy debut that will keep you turning the pages!" — Bookish First

"The magic and beautiful world Maxym Martineau created had me under a spell from the first page. She beautifully weaved a story of adventure and romance, but it was the characters she's given us that sucked me in and didn't let me go. A strong female lead and a band of lovable assassins? Count me in! I cannot wait to see what more Maxym has to offer." — Alexa Martin

"A powerful new voice in fantasy romance, Martineau has crafted a stunning story full of razor-sharp intrigue, delicious characters, and a love story you never want to end. Keep an eye on Maxym M. Martineau. If I'm not mistaken, we have a bona fide genius in our midst." — Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling Author

"With Kingdom of Exiles, Maxym M. Martineau launches a fresh new romantic fantasy series that has all the lush world-building and intoxicating magic of the Harry Potter universe edged with something altogether more adult... Martineau’s writing bursts with humor, heart, and an exquisite burst of magic that declare her a new voice as powerful (and charming!) as one of her irresistible characters." — Entertainment Weekly

"Fantasy romance at its finest." — C.L. Wilson, New York Times & USA TODAY Bestselling Author

"A lush and sweeping swords-and-sorcery romance." — The New York Times

"Left me with a happy sigh and a fervent wish for a beast of my own." — Jeffe Kennedy, RITA award-winning author

From the Publisher